An Automation Project Manager leads full-lifecycle automation projects across Kerry's food manufacturing plants in China (based in Shanghai), driving the shift from manual to automated, digital production. Day to day they design and deliver PLC/DCS, SCADA, robotics, AGV and MES/ERP integrations from URS through FAT/SAT to commissioning, managing vendors and cross-functional teams on time, on budge
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
About the role
As we accelerate our Smart Manufacturing strategy, we are seeking a hybrid talent who understands both food processing technology and automation control systems; Driving transition from manual/semi-automatic to fully automated, digital production – covering project base from equipment selection and system integration to continuous optimization.
The role of Project Manager is Responsible for automation application project in Kerry plants, to lead capital project execution within the manufacturing environment, working closely with local Ops and Quality Assurance teams, agreed clarity on project scope and expected deliverables with functional colleagues and will report back routinely to team leader/Key Stakeholders on project progress and status.
Key responsibilities
Lead the automation design for new/upgraded food production lines, including PLC/DCS systems, SCADA monitoring, robotics (palletizing, sorting, packaging), and AGV logistics.
Evaluate current production pain points and propose automation solutions (cost reduction, efficiency improvement, reduced human error, enhanced food safety).
Work with IT to implement MES (Manufacturing Execution System), bridging data from PLC to ERP for production visibility and traceability.
Lead full lifecycle of automation projects from User Requirements Specification (URS) and FAT/SAT to commissioning and validation.
Review existing manufacturing lines for process improvements, efficiency gains, and safety.
Processing line monitoring, trouble shooting, optimization, cost reduction, training, sustainability and coaching after Automation project delivered.
Support manufacturing line relocations and plant consolidations/start-ups. Support multiple projects in multiple locations for Automation application and upgrades.
Ensure that Automation projects are managed and run with full compliance to health & safety, food hygiene and Quality standards and in accordance with Kerry procedures.
Deliver the Automation project on time, on quality, on budget.
Manage vendors, system integrators, and internal cross-functional teams (process, quality, maintenance, production) for technical agreement signing, installation, commissioning, and acceptance of automation equipment and software.
Coordinate with equipment vendors, electrical engineers, process engineers, and production teams to ensure seamless integration with food GMP and HACCP standards.
Oversee general processing, construction projects related to Automation project and manage to communication, Risk assessment and schedule.
Calculate line speeds, rates, and throughput and ensure all designs take account of these, key operations parameters are reflecting to Automation design and improvement.
Provide preliminary cost estimates and scope development for future Automation projects.
Selection and standardization of technology, equipment and spare parts. The asset management program should identify and outsource all non-core or specialised activities for maximum value.
Collaborate with functional team colleagues to deliver the projects with minimal disruption to production operations.
Source new technological developments within the food industry and present the business benefits to the local Engineering and Operations Management.
Review and manage all changes to project requirements through a formally defined scope change process.
Generation and implementation of Automation application project for new equipment/manufacturing processes line
Participation in investigations, identification and implementation of solutions as required. Lead root cause analysis for automation related downtime events.
Establish maintenance systems for automation equipment (preventive maintenance, spare parts management, rapid fault response).
Develop plant automation control standards (e.g., electrical specifications, network topology, data acquisition interfaces).
Lead and manage external maintenance contractors for automation project execution in regions.
Train line operators and maintenance staff on HMI operation and basic troubleshooting.
Qualifications and skills
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or above in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, or Food Engineering.
6+ years in industrial automation, with at least 2 years in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries.
Proven experience leading complete line automation projects (design through acceptance)
Proficient in programming and configuration of major PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell).
Experience with industrial robots (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc) or vision systems is a strong plus.
Familiarity with food industry regulations (e.g., BRC, IFS, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for data integrity).
Strong cross-functional communication (explaining logic to production, ROI to finance).
Comfortable working in food plant environments (wet, cold/hot areas, noise).
3-6 years direct work experience in a process engineering role within the food and Beverage, Dairy or similar industry.
Strong planning and project management skills;
Flexible and adaptable with excellent ability to work cross functionally within an organisation
Confident in project management software, PMP certificate is plus
Previous experience of working in an engineering capacity within a food manufacturing environment.
Fluent English Speaking and Writing
Available for frequently travel for project execution and multi-plant support in Domestic and International
Competencies Required:
Problem Solving: Ability to look at a manufacturing line from end to end to understand the impact of particular product on each piece of equipment and identify solutions to any issues identified.
Product Knowledge: Take the time to understand the manufacturability of each product on a manufacturing line.
Project Management: Manage multiple projects to a defined project management methodology.
Excellent motivator and vast experience to manage and control project schedule.
Business Acumen: Manage project budgets and all project procurement in line with Kerry standards to ensure the best available technology is procured which is not excessive cost.
Work Planning and Time Management: Enable the KDM processes, tools, and techniques used to accomplish timely completion of project deliverables.
Technology Development: Strive continuously to ensure the latest technology is considered for Kerry facilities.
Food Manufacturing: High level of food manufacturing knowledge incl. Spray drying, dry blending, UHT, membrane filtration, Pasteurization process method; Understand GMP standard and GB code for food manufacturing requirements.
Construction and Utility: With certain of technical competence to understand construction methods and standards for utility system, process and building.
Communication: Excellent communication skills, Chinese and English (Written and Verbal).